Media OutReach
Far East Hospitality Strengthens its Presence in Japan with Two New Hotels in Osaka
Group enters Osaka with two Far East Village Hotels in Namba South and Honmachi districts, reinforcing its commitment to double its footprint to 2000 rooms in Japan.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2025 – Far East Hospitality has announced its continued expansion in Japan with the introduction of the Far East Village brand in Osaka. The openings of Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South, and Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi, represent a significant milestone in the Group’s growth strategy – to double its footprint to 2,000 rooms within the next five years across Japan’s key gateway cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.
From L – R, façade images of Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South and Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi
“Far East Hospitality’s expansion into Osaka is a pivotal step towards our five-year goal of expanding to 2,000 rooms in Japan. We are focused on strengthening the Far East Village brand in the country’s key cities, particularly those with vibrant business and leisure appeal. We’re excited to embrace the richness of Japan’s culture and bring our ‘Live Like a Local’ philosophy to life, inviting travellers to engage meaningfully with what Japan has to offer. To fulfil this, we’re pleased to partner Anglo Capital Group as they expand into Osaka. With our combined expertise and commitment to authentic hospitality, we look forward to delivering memorable guest experiences and unlocking full potential of these properties,” said Mr. Mark Rohner, Chief Operating Officer of Far East Hospitality.
“Our entry into the Osaka market through the acquisition of two centrally located hotels and our partnership with Far East Hospitality for their management marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth of our hotel portfolio. Osaka’s dynamic tourism landscape and strategic location make it an ideal addition to our expanding presence in Japan. We look forward to working with Far East Hospitality to deliver exceptional guest experiences and further strengthen our footprint in key locations across Japan,” said Benjamin Cho, Principal of Anglo Fortune Capital Group.
Accelerating Growth in Japan
Far East Hospitality made its entry into Japan in July 2020 with the opening of Far East Village Hotel Tokyo Ariake, followed by Far East Village Hotel Yokohama in June 2021. Despite global travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the Group maintained expansion momentum, opening its third property in 2023, Far East Village Hotel Tokyo Asakusa. With these two new Osaka hotels, Far East Hospitality is now operating five hotels in five years since its entry into Japan.
These milestone openings reaffirm the Group’s commitment to delivering purpose-driven, culturally grounded hospitality while expanding its regional presence in a competitive and high-potential market.
Confidence in a Rebounding Market
Japan’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and recovery since the pandemic. In Tokyo alone, international visitor arrivals between January and October 2023 were approximately 12 times higher, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by over 34%[1]. The rebound continued into 2024, with Japan welcoming a record-breaking 36.9 million international visitors, a 47.1% increase from 2023.[2]
This strong performance has fuelled Far East Hospitality’s optimism to scale in Japan, where rising inbound demand and evolving traveller preferences of personalised, authentic, and meaningful experiences when choosing travel destinations[3] align closely with the Group’s offerings.
Live Like a Local in the Heart of Osaka
Suitable for both leisure and business travellers, Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South is a 77-room hotel located in the vibrant Oku-Namba neighbourhood, just south of Osaka’s bustling Namba district. Within walking distance of key attractions like Namba Yasaka Shrine and Dotonbori, the hotel’s proximity to Daikokucho and Namba Stations also provides seamless access to the wider Kansai region.
Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi has 165 rooms, and serves as an ideal gateway to Osaka’s blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage. Situated in the central business district of Chuo-ku, just steps from the iconic Osaka Castle, the hotel offers easy access to popular landmarks such as Osaka-jo Park and the historic Minami district.
Delivering Purposeful Hospitality
Far East Hospitality offers distinct experiences through personalised service that sets it apart in its category. By fostering a culture of genuine care, attention to detail, and using positive feedback to empower staff, guests are ensured that every stay is thoughtful and memorable. The Village brand’s signature ‘Live Like a Local’ philosophy encourages guests to immerse themselves into each destination’s cultural fabric, whether through everyday interactions with neighbourhood shops and eateries or specially curated activities.
Guests can explore Osaka with its signature Village Passport, an exclusive and curated insider guide featuring local tips on attractions, dining and exciting experiences around the area. These locally rooted touchpoints create meaningful stays that reflect the character of each precinct.
To learn more about Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Namba South or Far East Village Hotel Osaka, Honmachi, please visit: https://www.fareasthospitality.com/en/hotels?country=Japan
High resolution images are available here.
Hashtag: #FarEastHospitality
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Village Hotels & Residences
The Village brand by Far East Hospitality reveals the unique charm and colourful personality of the locale in which each Village property is situated.
Manifesting the ideals of ‘Eat, Play, and Explore like a local’, Village plays the role of a guide encouraging guests to embark on adventures through Singapore’s vibrant precincts to discover what truly means to ‘Live like a Local’. This provides guests with a refreshing and exciting experience no matter the location of the property they choose to visit. Whether guests are looking for authentic culinary delights or hunting for cultural gems, there’s something for everyone staying at Village.
For more information, please visit: 
https://www.villagehotels.asia/
About Far East Hospitality
Far East Hospitality Holdings Pte Ltd (Far East Hospitality) is an international hospitality owner and operator with a diverse portfolio of 10 unique and complementary brands of hotels, serviced residences and apartment hotels, including Oasia, Quincy, Rendezvous, Village, Far East Collection, A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels.
Far East Hospitality owns more than 10 hospitality assets and operates a combined portfolio of more than 17,000 rooms under its management across over 100 hotels and serviced residences in 10 countries – Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Switzerland, with more in its development pipeline. In 2024, the group ranked amongst the top 100 hotel companies by HotelsMag.
Far East Hospitality is a 70-30 joint venture formed in 2013 between Far East Orchard Limited (a listed company under Far East Organization) and The Straits Trading Company Limited. In the same year, Far East Hospitality, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Far East Hospitality Investments (Australia) Pte Ltd, completed a 50-50 joint venture with Australia’s Toga Group to form Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels).
For more information, visit www.FarEastHospitality.com
Media OutReach
Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society
Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.
Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.
Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”
Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa
Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.
In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.
Media OutReach
PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards
Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”
Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.
The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.
Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:
| PolyU Startups | Featured Innovations | Company Representatives |
| AniMed Technology Limited | Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring | Dr LYU Weimin Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited |
| CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited | AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings | Ms Amber ZHANG Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited |
| DRESIO Limited | AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution | Mr Alexander YING CEO, DRESIO Limited |
| Eieling Technology Limited | FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device (CES 2026 Innovation Award) |
Prof. ZHENG Yongping Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited |
| Entoptica Limited | Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies | Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited |
| Feelings Group Limited | AI-powered computer vision solution | Dr WONG Wing-sze Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited Ms YIP Chi-hay |
| Gembody Limited | Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system | Ms MAO Qian CEO, Gembody Limited Dr YANG Fan CTO, Gembody Limited |
| ImageVector MedTech Limited | AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration
|
Dr JIANG Tianshu
Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited |
| Immune Materials Limited | Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials | Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited Prof. KAN Chi-wai |
| Innobound Limited | Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance | Ms GAO Lan CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited |
| MedVision Limited | AI-powered medical imaging solution | Prof. CAI Jing Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited Dr MA Zongrui |
| Mirror Caring Limited | Knee health management solution | Prof. Stephen WANG Jia Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited |
| Nuvatech Limited | Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI | Mr DENG Yanheng Founder, Nuvatech Limited |
| On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited | Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device | Dr Rayman GONG Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited |
| ReSaTech Limited | AI solutions for product reliability | Mr Ricky LAW CEO, ReSaTech Limited |
| UbiquiTech Innovations Limited | Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces | Prof. CAO Jiannong Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Dr LIANG Zhixuan |
| Vcare Vision Technology Limited | Non-invasive myopia prevention solution | Dr TANG Yuk-ming Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited |
| Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited | Smart Firefighting Robot
(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award) |
Mr WANG Meng PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited |
| XOXO Beverages Limited | Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency | Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited |
Hashtag: #PolyU
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.
Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.
RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.
By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.
Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Starlight Centre
Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.
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